The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 11th Annual Guinness Run – St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraiser Saturday, March 9 traveling across the hill of Highlands.
The race will begin at Off the Hook restaurant, 1 Navesink Ave at the Captain Azzolina Bridge, where contestants will fill their cup and race to South Peak Street and back to the finish line at Off the Hook.
The runner with the most liquid in their cup at the end of the race will win the Guinness Run!
All contestants’ cups will be weighed at the beginning and end of the race. The winner will receive the Guinness Run Trophy and $100.00 in Highlands bid cards. Second Place will be awarded $50.00 in Bid Cards.
The $45.00 registration fee includes, a commemorative t-shirt, Guinness pint glass, for the first 100 registrants, and access to the post-Race party for all runners at Off the Hook.
Registered runners will enjoy Guinness and a variety of delicious food provided by Off the Hook. Runners can register at Off the Hook beginning at noon Saturday. Runners must be 21 and provide ID. All proceeds benefit the 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held on March 23, at 2PM.
Proud supporters of the 11th Annual Guinness Run include Monnmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Feed & Seed, Farmacie by the French Market, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, WRAT, 95, Brian & Joelle Kelly Family Foundation, PKF O’Connor Davies Accountants and Advisors, Scott Inderwies, Driftwood Real Estate Group, and Ritchie & Page Distributors.
For more information and to register online visit www.highlandsnj.com or call 732- 291-4713
Awards were also presented to students Henry Hudson Regional who achieved individual success as the Student, Athlete and Artist of the month, along with staff Members Nancy Shaffery and Mrs. Merker.
Councilman Brian Dougherty, who is the borough council’s liaison to the regional school district, announced all the names of the award winners at the council meeting to the applause of those in attendance, and congratulated each of the students on their successes.
Champion Awards were presented to students in each grade from kindergarten through six grades.
Kindergarten champions this month are Neve Brummer, Brendon Forman, Natalie Luizao, and Sofia Pena Nino.
First grad champions for perseverance are Jesslyn Alvarez, Gabriella Galgey and Jack O’Donnell.
Second grade champions are Denise Carmona, Travis Catsam, Henry Gorfain, and Jack Herr.
Third grade champions are Jefferson Mejia-Salguero, Lilah Riley, Graham Sohl and Khloe Torres
Fourth grade champions are Natalie Hensle, Grayson McGrath and Sophia Sharack
Fifth grade champions are Matthew DeLouise, Cora Devereaux and Qynn Maloney
Sixth grade champions are Flynn Buehler, Catherine Miller
The students honored at Henry Hudson Regional School grades 7 through 12 this month are Charlotte Young, selected as the Student of the Month; Jack Kirkpatrick, the athlete of thee Month, Emma Spagnolo, the artist of the month and Nancy Shaffery the staff member of the month.
Dougherty was named the liaison the schools at the reorganization meeting of the governing body in January, starting a new custom that gives the general public more information about the schools, their programs, and the achievements of the students.
It will be two nights and two different types of amazing entertainment and great food and lots of socializing in March as the Shore Casino plans on Another Night on Broadway and a St. Patrick’s celebration.
‘It’s time to bring more activities and music back to the Shore CasIno,” said owner Kathleen Sweeney.. “And when better than St. Patrick’s month to let everyone enjoy the luck of the Irish?”
Because of the success of the Night on Broadway at the Casino this month, Sweeney has invited George Markey back for an Italian Buffet and Music night on Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m., with doors open at 6:30. Tickets, which are by reservation, are $65 each and include an Italian buffet and a night of music.
Markey, known for the variety of music he presents, both with any of the 11 instruments he plays as well as his tenor voice, will entertain and walk among the dining tables throughout the night singing popular favorites and requests.
On Friday, March 15, the Shore Casino will be filled with Irish laughter and music, as bagpipers, an Irish band, and an Irish Buffet headline at the popular waterfront Casino in the Municipal Yacht Harbor. Tickets for this event are $65 and include a Buffet with all the popular favorites of Ireland from corned beef and cabbage to scones and clotted cream, along with other Shore Casino favorites.
Reservations for both events can be made by calling the Shore Casino at 732-291-4300. If no answer, leave a number for call back and confirmation.
The excellence of the school system was one of the primary reasons Cory and Kate Wingerter moved to Atlantic Highland six years ago. Since then, both feel they have an obligation to give back and continue support not only of the school system but the borough as well.
It’s those feelings that prompted Cory Wingerter to run for and be named to the Atlantic Highlands Board of Education in January of last year. At the time he did not realize that before that term was even up, he would also be serving as president of a transitional board making state history.
Wingerter was elected by members of the transitional Henry Hudson K-12 Regional School boardto serve as the chairman until the new board is elected by the residents in November.
It’s a position he said he takes on eagerly for the same purposes he chose to serve in the first place…… “I feel it’s only fair for me to pull my weight and help out where I can.”
The board president, who is employed at Ernst & Young as the Global Produce Head of Financial Crimes Technology, said that continuing to serve on the local board in addition to his new position on the regional board means an additional meeting each month, but is otherwise about the same as far as a workload goes.
There is not really any additional work, he pointed out, since the work the boards are involved in is work that proceeds whether they are in a transitional program or not. He is anxious, he said, to hear from the state Department of Education on the nest steps for the two boroughs regarding regionalization and is hopeful to see new opportunities. Regardless, board business on a daily basis remains the same.
Wingerter takes his position seriously on the volunteer board. His personal goal in serving is to do his part in seeing that the school district continues to be one where family, students, educators and administrators can all be happy and successful. Because it reaches so many residents at every age level and since it is part of the foundation stone for children, Wingerter believes the school is the focal point of the town and urges everyone to become involved in it “to feel the same pride that I do when they think about it.”
The president said his goal will remain the same for the new regional district because “I want our kids to be excited heading to school and our teachers to feel they’re equipped to deliver on the expectations.” That will continue to be his mission, he asserts, simply because “I think It a good one.”
The father of two daughters and a son, with his two older children currently in the local school system, Wingerter said he is looking forward to the new regionalized district for many reasons, not the least of which is seeing “Atlantic Highlands and Highlands work together and how excited both boroughs are doing it. “It feels like these boards of education have been waiting for this for years,” he said, adding, “and now we’ve finally been given the green light.” While it is in the early stages of the new transitional board, he said it’s obvious “everyone wants to get going and see how we can better our schools and towns.”
Dedicated to every obligation he assumes….the board president is currently taking a break from activities with other organizations in order to spend more time with his children and family activities…Wingerter said the most difficult part of working on the school board that impacts all children is “always feeling that you’re not doing enough. There’s always another child you want to help, another grant you want to apply for, another area where you want to focus…” With all that in mind, he said it’s important to focus on what he can do while at the same time expanding that purpose when possible. Still he concedes, “I always feel like there’s just one more thing that I want to do and it’s hard to not include it.”
Asked about his own role in work that led to the success of an election enabling the 7-12 district to enlarge and include the preK-6 grades in both towns, Wingerter said his largest role was probably making himself available to talk to anyone, answering questions abut the transition, and trying to keep people informed. A highlight of his week is picking his youngsters up from school whenever possible, and having the chance to talk to other parents at those times about regionalization. “There’s always a lot of information flying around so it’s nice to hear from the town on what they feel is important to them. Being available and approachable, he feels have been helpful in keeping people informed. It is for that reason he encourages others to reach out to their boards of education,, hear from their members and learn as much as possible.
Wingerter looks at serving on any board of education as an opportunity to do his part to keep his hometown outstanding, the same reasons he and his family chose to move here in the first place. He plans on continuing to work hard for that reason. However, he will always still have the time to enjoy triathlons, grab a great cheeseburger now and then and continue with his youngsters on what wife Kate jokingly refers to as their own private SPCA. because. “the children and I constantly pick up stray animals.”
It’s apparently official now that the date for the commissioning of the Submarine New Jersey (SSN796)has been changed to September 14.
The submarine, the third naval vessel to be named for the Garden State, and the first submarine after two battleships to bear the state’s name, will still be commissioned at Naval Weapons Station Earle at its Leonardo pier.
According to the New Jersey Submarine Commissioning Committee, the time for ceremony will be at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a Jersey Themed luncheon, music, static displays and tours of the vessel.
Not only does the delay provide for more time to provide more activities for sailors and the community, but chances of more excellent weather also remain high.
Those who have registered for tickets to the ceremony should remain aware if any changes will be made to the current listing of registered personnel. The PreCommissioning Committee will also follow the plans of the US Navy and make any changes known as soon as possible.
The submarine will undergo its sea trials both this month and continuing with drills, tests and exercises aimed at achieving satisfactory completion of construction.
The Highlands Mayor and Council has extended an invitation to all borough residents for a Meet and Greet with all borough officials on Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Borough Hall on Navesink Avenue.
This is the second year the governing body has invited its residents to get to know borough employees through an informal meet and greet. “We started doing this last year because we felt after Covid, we had such an influx of new residents that we should introduce them to the staff, first responders and community clubs,” said Mayor Carolyn Broullon.
It was well received, and residents appreciated the opportunity to meet and greet informally with employees, volunteers, and other residents, the mayor said.
Present for the Meet and Greet will be the mayor and council members, the administrative staff and department supervisors, along with representatives of local organizations and businesses.
“We encourage everyone to come and meet their neighbors and the people who work for them,” the mayor said, noting it is also an opportunity to visit the new borough hall and become more familiar with the offices and where to go for assistance for specific needs.
All ages are invited to attend the April 8 get together. Following the format, which was popular last year, each entity will have a ‘station’ for the evening in borough hall, with information on their specific duties or missions.
Refreshments will also be served to continue the casual atmosphere of a get-together evening. “It’s a great way to have more interaction with all involved in making Highlands a special place,” the Mayor said.
Local residents Marilyn Scherfen and Elaine Egidio were honored as Volunteers of the Month at last week’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council, each receiving an commendation from Mayor Lori Hohenleitner for their work in having the borough designated a Certified National Wildlife Habit.
Both Hohenleitner and council members, along with local residents, acknowledged that is only one major achievement and volunteer effort each of the women has done for Atlantic Highlands in the past. Mrs Scherfern is also retired branch manager of the Monmouth County Library branch in Borough Hall.
It is because of the leadership and volunteer efforts of both Scherfen and Egidio that the borough last year was one of few municipalities in Monmouth County to qualify as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Their efforts included not only educating the residents of the importance of providing feeding, nesting and safe spaces for birds and butterflies, but also encouraging more than 100 residents to have their own properties certified as safe habitats.
The women have appeared at council meetings urging all to appreciate native plant and flower gardens, as well as to visit the National Wildlife Federation website to learn more about what it takes to have a yard, garden, apartment roof top, kitchen, deck or many other sites certified as a Wildlife Habitat.
The women also formed the Wild About Atlantic Highlands volunteer organization that continues to protect the protection and appreciation of wildlife. Every one of the council members researched and had their own properties certified as habitats.
The pair have also partnered with other organizations in the borough, including the Arts Council to promote their goals for the environment. Another joint program with the Arts Council is planned for April.
In accepting the honor at meeting, both women stressed they are only accepting the honors on behalf of all residents who have cooperated and joined in their efforts, and expressed their thanks to each
Reconstruction of the historic former barracks at Fort Hancock into indoor NJROTC facilities for students at MAST was put off one more time as the Monmouth County Vocational School District rejected the two bids it received and reviewed this week.
The board indicated it would once again advertise for bids to have the work on the heavily destroyed building completed but did not indicate when that would take place.
The project, which has been in the planning and development stage for more than four years, was put off again when the two bids received were rejected.
Hall Construction Co. had submitted a bid of $19,788,000 to rebuild the facility, including both the indoor drill area to accommodate NJROTC formations and practice, as well as an office, classrooms, bathrooms and showers.
That bid was rejected since the board determined it contained material defects sufficient to require the rejection as nonresponsive, in failing to provide a Consent of Surety to meet bid requirements.
A bid of $21,637,000 submitted by Joseph A. Natoli Construction Corporation was rejected apparently because the board retained the right to reject all bids if the lowest of those received “substantially exceeds the boards’ appropriation” for the construction. The board had said in the past there was $15 million set for the construction of Building 23, the former barracks which faces Pershing Field.
In adopting the resolution at Tuesday’s meeting, the board indicated it was also authorizing business administrator Kelly Brazelton to re-advertise the project. However, the administrator did not indicate whether the project would be re-advertised to the same plans and specifications or whether modifications to the original plans would be made to allow for less work and therefore lower costs.
The resolution adopted by the county school board said both bids “substantially exceeded the costs estimates for the goods or services and therefore were rejected and MS. Hazleton authorized to re-advertise, although no date was set for that either.
Based on all the delays in the years since the acquisition of two buildings on Fort Hancock to enhance and invigorate the highly successful NJROTC program for all students at MAST, it appears even should bids be sought and accepted within weeks, construction would not be able to start until fall should the ospreys return to the nest that still rests atop the tallest portion of the building, whose other walls have been destroyed.
No reason has been given by the National Park Service why the osprey nest cannot be removed before the return of the migratory birds, who cannot be disturbed during nesting season. School District business administrator Kelly Brazelton also indicated she does not know the reason why it cannot be removed and has not received any response to her queries to the Park Service concerning that.
The first of the two buildings leased to the county school district, Building 56, a one story building near Building 23, is substantially completed and currently in use to house the more than $1 million in US Navy equipment, supplies and uniforms that the MAST students rely on, which had previously been stored in a trailer.
First platoon of Headquarters Company, commanded by Cadet Alex Bruzzese of Hazlet, marches past the reviewing stand with Cadet Jake Lindmark of Atlantic Highlands carrying the guide.
Without an indoor drill area, the MAST Cadets will continue to have all their drills on Pershing Field in all seasons and will continue to change from athletic equipment to wearing apparel after programs without the benefit of showers.
There are always lots of activities and lots of visitors at Care One at Middletown, but it is especially fun when the visitors join in the fun of the activities. Ryder, a four-year-old Golden Retriever, is a regular visitor at the care center on Route 36 in Middletown, coming with Keri, his owner once a week to visit the residents in their rooms, giving all of them the opportunity to pet him, hug him or simply admire him and tell him so. But when the activities department had an All Day Bingo recently and needed Bingo callers for different callers during the day, in addition to Administrator Anthony Cessa, Ryder was asked to participate with Keri as a caller. The Retriever was happy to do it, and the residents were thrilled to enjoy his company!
Five of Highland’s best-known chili chefs will put their recipes to the test at this hot competition. Visitors can come and sample delicious chili while washing it down with plenty of beer.
Tickets are $40 and include Twenty (20) samplings of chili, two beers and voting ballots.
There will be two contests; the “Professional” Cook Off with five local restaurants; Chilangos, Chubby Pickle, Inlet Café, Off the Hook, and Proving Ground participating, and the “Amateur” Cook Off with fifteen contestants.
Once the chili lovers have tasted all the chili, they will vote for their favorite and drop their ballots in the ballot box. Results will be tallied, and the winners announced at approximately 6:30 pm.
Trophies will be awarded to the winners. In addition to the People’s Choice award, Grand Marshal, Timothy G. Hill, will be among the panel of five independent judges for another contest.
Proceeds of the Chili Cook Off benefit the 20th Annual Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade to take place on March 23 at 2pm.
The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Programs and events are made possible by generous sponsors including Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Feed & Seed, Farmacie by the French Market, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak Ferry and WRAT, 95.
For additional information on the Highlands Business Partnership’s programs and events, visit www.highlandsnj.com or call (732) 291-4713
